Guinea pigs hay

Question
QUESTION: Hello again!!
Because of the weather, i am constantly giving them more hay. Normally they
eat it because they get cold, so i give them a bit more, but then, they tend not
to eat  any of it, so they end up with their heads practically on the ceiling. I
fluff up the hay each time, but they just flatten it out again, and i am afraid
that they are getting to cold. Is there anything you can tell me that may help?
Thanks in advance!!
Catherine XxX

ANSWER: Hi!  You're doing the best thing giving your guineas plenty of hay as guinea pigs need hay not only for warmth but also as a major part of their diet.  Hay, which is basically dried grass, is an essential fibre for their type of digestive system.  It maybe doesn't look like they eat much of it but they will keep nibbling.  I also wouldnt worry about them getting cold from flattened hay.  If they're cold they will dive under it to get warm.  As long as the hay is fresh each day, and free from dampness or urine, they will be okay and can look after themselves as to whether they are cold or too warm, using, or trampling down as you're seeing, what they have in the cage.  Hope that helps!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sorry about the follow up!!The hay my guinea pigs are not eating has loads of
urine in it. Thats why i have to keep on topping it up so it is fresh. Should we be
replacing the hay twice a week or once a week?
Sorry again
Catherine xx

Answer
Hi again Catherine!  Not to worry about the questions, it's always better to ask.
I recommend putting in fresh hay every single day to maintain a fresh supply of eating hay, and you can remove the soiled bedding every other day.  This keeps on top of it before there's any build of urine and subsequent ammonia threat.  So to clarify your question, replacing once or twice a week isn't sufficient but daily supply and frequent removal is the way to keep your pigs dry and in a comfortable environment.